Free website aims to help people lose weight and put an end to *yo-yo* dieting!

safefood have today launched a new advertising campaign
for Weigh2Live.eu (www.weigh2live.eu) the free weight loss website from safefood.

Developed by nutritionists at safefood with support from dietitians in the
Irish Nutrition and Dietetics Institute (INDI), Weigh2live provides independent
and credible advice on how to lose weight in a healthy way.

Research from the latest SLÁN survey (Survey on Lifestyle, Attitudes
and Nutrition) has revealed that over a third (34%) of women and almost a quarter
of men (23%) in the Republic of Ireland are trying to lose weight. This online
resource aims to support their efforts.

Dr. Marian Faughnan, Nutritionist with safefood said,

“ After the Christmas cheer and with the beginning of the New Year,
many people are considering weight loss plans, but often resort to fad diets
which are just that - fads. While many people who try these diets may initially
lose some weight, all too often they end up putting the weight back on and
enter a yo-yo dieting cycle. In reality, there’s no quick fix for losing
weight and these fad diets can be very restrictive. Weigh2Live can help people
on the road to reaching and maintaining a healthier weight. Some people may
think 10% is not very much but if you are overweight, losing 10% of your body
weight can have a really positive impact on your long-term health”,
continued Dr. Faughnan.

safefood research has also shown that for almost
one in two people (49%) in the Republic of Ireland the main factor that motivates
them to lose weight is for health reasons, followed by general well-being (28%),
and to look better (26%). Dr. Faughnan added,

“ It is encouraging that so many people mention health reasons
as one of the main motivating factors in losing weight. However, it takes
willpower to lose weight and with the New Year just around the corner, people
can build on that resolution to start afresh with the belief that they can
really do it and reach a healthier weight”.

Margot Brennan, Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute said,

“ Losing weight and keeping it off involves long-term lifestyle
changes. Making small changes can have a big impact on your overall weight
and health. This website is designed to help you take practical steps and
get back on track when you are finding it tough. The changes can fit in with
your everyday life and become your new norm.”

Weigh2Live includes a food and physical activity diary, interactive BMI calculator
with waist measurement guide as well as practical advice on healthy eating whether
at home or when eating out, tips on food shopping, understanding food portions,
and healthy recipes. Regular users of the site can also register to keep track
of their progress on the site, sign up for free weekly motivational SMS text
messages and receive a free pedometer to encourage them to be more active.

Weigh2live.eu will also be supported by television and online advertising,
Public Relations and Direct Marketing activity including a handy free information
booklet for consumers, and a leaflet for health professionals including GPs,
practice nurses and dietitians.

News
is included on the IvyRose website to inform visitors about current health issues,
but not to endorse any particular view or activity. Any views expressed in the
article above are not necessarily those of IvyRose Ltd..
Material in this news item was released by safefood (Ireland) on 28
December 2009 and may have been edited (e.g. in
style, length, and/or for ease of understanding by our international readers)
for inclusion here. For further information please visit their website.